Try This Incredible Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy chicken tenders brushed with honey butter garlic sauce create a mouthwatering meal that’ll make you weak in the knees.

Golden edges promise a satisfying crunch with every single bite.

Minimal ingredients mean maximum flavor in this simple yet spectacular dish.

Juicy chicken gets coated in a sweet and savory glaze that dances between tangy and rich.

Weeknight dinners never looked so good with this quick and easy recipe.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment required – just pure deliciousness waiting to happen.

Reasons Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Impress

• Conquer Flavor Explosion: Combine sweet honey, rich butter, and zesty garlic for a mouthwatering taste that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a gourmet experience.
• Master Healthy Cooking: Air fryer technology reduces oil usage while delivering crispy, golden-brown chicken without sacrificing taste or texture.
• Create Quick Family Delight: Prep and cook in minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal solutions that everyone will love.
• Customize with Ease: Adaptable recipe allows simple ingredient swaps or additions to match personal preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy strips of chicken perfect for a quick and delicious meal.

• Breadcrumbs: Crispy coating that adds texture and crunch to the chicken tenders.
• Melted Butter, Honey: Create a sweet and rich base that helps the breadcrumbs stick and adds depth of flavor.
• Minced Garlic: Provides a bold, aromatic flavor that complements the sweet honey and savory chicken.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
• Cooking Spray: Prevents the chicken tenders from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Stepwise Instructions for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Prep the Air Fryer

Warm up your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for five minutes to ensure it’s perfectly heated and ready for cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Sauce

• Melted butter
• Honey
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until all ingredients blend smoothly into a mouthwatering coating.

Step 3: Set Up Breading Station

Pour breadcrumbs into a shallow dish, creating a crispy coating station for the chicken.

Step 4: Sauce the Chicken

Dunk each chicken tender generously into the honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring complete coverage.

Step 5: Add Crispy Coating

Roll the sauced chicken tender in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the crumbs adhere perfectly.

Step 6: Prepare Air Fryer Basket

Spritz the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 7: Arrange Chicken

Carefully place coated chicken tenders in a single layer, making sure they don’t touch each other.

Step 8: Cook to Golden Perfection

Air fry the chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes.

Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even browning and thorough cooking.

Step 9: Rest and Settle

Remove chicken tenders from the air fryer and let them rest for a few minutes to lock in those delicious juices.

Step 10: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up your crispy, golden chicken tenders. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce or a fresh, crisp salad for a complete meal that’ll make taste buds dance!

Helpful Tips for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Success

• Ensure complete coverage of chicken tenders with honey butter garlic sauce for maximum flavor infusion and crispy breadcrumb coating.
• Arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without touching to guarantee even cooking and crispy exterior.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165F (74C) for safe consumption and juicy results.
• Press breadcrumbs gently but firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crunchy layer that won't fall off during cooking.
• Allow chicken tenders to sit for 2-3 minutes after air frying to help juices redistribute, maintaining tender and moist meat.

Flavor Variations for Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken

• Spicy Buffalo Kick: Replace honey with hot sauce, add cayenne pepper to breadcrumbs for a fiery version of chicken tenders with extra heat.
• Mediterranean Herb Crunch: Mix dried oregano, thyme, and parsley into breadcrumbs, swap butter with olive oil for a Mediterranean-inspired coating.
• Parmesan Crispy Style: Blend grated parmesan cheese into breadcrumbs, drizzle light honey mustard sauce over tenders after cooking for rich, cheesy flavor.
• Asian Sesame Fusion: Incorporate sesame seeds in breadcrumbs, replace honey with soy sauce and add ginger to create an Asian-inspired chicken tender version.

Best Pairings for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the sweet and savory chicken tenders, cutting through the richness with bright, zesty notes.
• Serve Refreshing Coleslaw: Tangy, crunchy coleslaw balances the honey butter garlic's richness, providing a cool contrast to the warm, crispy chicken.
• Create Creamy Dipping Sauce: Blend ranch or blue cheese dressing with a touch of honey to echo the chicken's flavor profile, enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Match Fresh Green Salad: Light mixed greens with a citrus vinaigrette cleanse the palate and add a fresh, vibrant element to the meal's indulgent chicken tenders.

Proper Storage for Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, lasting up to 2 months when frozen properly.

Preheat air fryer to 350F, place tenders in a single layer, and warm for 3-4 minutes until crispy and heated through.

Use sparingly to prevent sogginess, heat on medium power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to ensure even warming.

FAQs

• Are chicken tenders healthier when cooked in an air fryer?

Yes, air fryers use significantly less oil compared to deep frying, reducing overall calorie and fat content while maintaining a crispy texture.

• Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

No, always thaw chicken tenders completely before coating and air frying to ensure even cooking and food safety.

• How do I know if the chicken tenders are fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature reaches 165F (74C) at the thickest part of the tender to ensure it’s safe to eat.

• Can I substitute breadcrumbs with another coating?

Yes, you can use panko, crushed cornflakes, or gluten-free breadcrumbs as alternative coatings for the chicken tenders.

Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy air fryer honey butter garlic chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering fusion of sweet and savory flavors. Succulent chicken coated in golden crumbs promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating and Seasoning:

• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Wet Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Additional:

• Cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Warm the air fryer to 400F (200C) for 5 minutes to ensure optimal cooking temperature.
2. Create a delectable honey butter garlic sauce by blending melted butter, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl.
3. Pour breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish for coating the chicken.
4. Immerse each chicken tender completely in the prepared honey butter garlic sauce, ensuring full coverage.
5. Roll the sauce-coated chicken tender in breadcrumbs, gently pressing to secure a crispy exterior.
6. Prepare the air fryer basket with a light cooking spray coating to prevent potential sticking.
7. Arrange the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer within the air fryer basket, avoiding any overlapping.
8. Cook the chicken tenders for 10-12 minutes at 400F (200C), rotating midway through to guarantee even browning and thorough cooking.
9. Allow the chicken tenders to rest briefly after removing from the air fryer, enabling the juices to redistribute.
10. Present the golden, crispy Air Fryer Honey Butter Garlic Chicken Tenders with a complementary dipping sauce or alongside a crisp salad for a complete meal.

Notes

• Ensure chicken tenders are evenly coated with honey butter garlic sauce for maximum flavor infusion.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and a more delicate, lighter texture in the final dish.
• Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help breadcrumbs adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• For a gluten-free version, swap regular breadcrumbs with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumb alternatives.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 420 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 14 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg